EF 1: The Beginning PBP Commentary

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Finko Naikkorine (ranked 23934 p4p, 420 weight class) and Hi Ho (ranked 5431 p4p, 373 weight class). Naikkorine kept the crowd waiting but all that was forgotten when his ring entrance music started. The incomparable musical genius that is Mexico - The Dead Daisies. Both fighters look fresh as a daisy as they make their way towards the cage.

Naikkorine
vs
Ho

175 cm
23
148 lbs
5 - 6 - 0

165 cm
18
153 lbs
0 - 0 - 0

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Good chin

BJJ White Belt
Good kicks
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 5 - 6 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Finko Naikkorine!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 0 - 0, fighting out of Tokyo, Hi Ho!
The judges for this bout are Aleksandr Martynov, Dmitry Maklakov and Sergei Dronov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Ho has Naikkorine up against the cage in a clinch.
Ho misses with the head strike.
Naikkorine blocks an uppercut.
Ho pressing his opponent against the cage.
Ho throws an elbow that misses.
Ho misses with a hook from the clinch.
Ho taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Ho stalling.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Naikkorine avoiding damage as Ho throws knees to the body.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Naikkorine.
Ho tries to land knees in the clinch but Naikkorine avoids the damage to the body.
Naikkorine tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Ho trying to land knees to the body.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ho lands a nice elbow from the clinch.

It looks like Finko Naikkorine has been cut.
Ho taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Ho lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Ho lands a nice knee to the body.
Ho prevents a body shot from Naikkorine.
Ho taking a break, stalling in the clinch.
Naikkorine is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Ho stalling in the clinch.
Naikkorine misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ho trying to land knees to the body.
Ho tries to throw a body punch but Naikkorine avoids it by throwing Ho back against the cage.
Ho throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.
Ho tries to land a knee to the head but misses.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ho blocks a punch to the side of the head.
Ho misses with an elbow over the top.
Naikkorine has a couple of punches blocked by Ho.
Ho content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Ho blocks an uppercut.
Naikkorine misses with a hook from the clinch.
An uppercut on the inside fails to land for Ho.
Ho digs a right hand underneath Naikkorine's ribcage. Naikkorine let out a lung full of air as it connected.
Ho looking to throw knees to the head but Naikkorine is blocking nicely.
Naikkorine taking a breather.
Naikkorine misses with a hook to the ribs.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Naikkorine throws a nice elbow but it doesn't land.

Ho breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ho thumps Naikkorine with a low kick.
Ho lands with a good body shot.
Ho punishes Naikkorine's body with a nice straight punch.
Ho moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Nice sprawl there from Ho as Naikkorine shoots in.
Ho feints and then cracks Naikkorine's leading leg with a nice low kick. He's obviously looking to slow Naikkorine down.

Ho closes the distance and presses his opponent up against the cage.
Ho has Naikkorine pressed against the cage.
Ho pressing his opponent against the cage.
Ho blocks an uppercut.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Stalling in the clinch from Ho.
Ho is looking to score with knees to the body. Maybe he'll change it up and go body then head. Naikkorine is defending well for now.
Ho is pushing Naikkorine up against the cage, for a bit of lean and pray action. Action being used the in the loosest possible sense of the word.
Naikkorine is working hard here but doesn't seem to be able to control effectively, up against the cage.
Ho misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Naikkorine.
Ho misses with a shot to the kidneys.
Ho stalling in the clinch.
Naikkorine avoids a wild elbow strike from Ho.
Naikkorine takes an elbow to the forehead.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Naikkorine working aggressively here.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hi Ho dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Finko Naikkorine's cut.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business.

A chopping leg kick lands by Ho.
Ho connects with a leg kick. Naikkorine looked like he was expecting something else and didn't defend it.
Ho has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Naikkorine fails with a takedown attempt.
Ho looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Naikkorine chopped to the floor by a nice leg kick but he springs right back up before Ho can pounce on him.
Ho throws a body kick that misses.
Ho dances in quickly and lands a nice inside leg kick on Naikkorine. That did some damage!
Ho throws a body punch but Naikkorine moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Ho moves into range and lands a nice leg kick.
Naikkorine closes this distance looking for a takedown but Ho circles away.
Naikkorine closes this distance looking for a takedown but Ho circles away.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Finko Naikkorine. That's going to take a lot out of him.
A head kick misses from Ho.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ho lands with a nice low kick. That'll leave a bruise.
Naikkorine is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
A slapping leg kick lands for Ho.
Naikkorine keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ho scores with a kick to the body.
Ho misses with a straight left.
Like a baseball bat into the meat of his leg there - nice leg kick by Ho.
Ho buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.
Ho throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Naikkorine's head.

Ho clinches.
Ho gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
Nice elbow from Ho.
With the two fighters working up against the cage, Ho just misses with a elbow thrown towards Naikkorine's brow.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Naikkorine misses with a short punch on the inside.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Ho lands an elbow inside.

Finko Naikkorine's cut is getting worse.
Ho lands an elbow that stopped Naikkorine in his tracks for a moment.
Ho controlling the action here for a moment.
Ho creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Naikkorine's defenses.
Ho missing with knees to the body.
Ho lands a hook that snaps the head of Naikkorine backwards.
Ho swings wildly with an uppercut but Naikkorine uses good head movement to avoid it.
Ho with the Thai clinch. He's looking to land a big knee but he's not managed it this time.
Ho lands a right hand.
Ho manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Ho lands a nice elbow from the clinch.
Naikkorine misses with some punches.
Ho misses with a punch on the inside.
Hi Ho seems to be working more effectively in the clinch in the fight so far.
Ho content to slow the pace in the clinch.
Ho tries to land a knee to the head but Naikkorine blocks with his arms.
Naikkorine tries to throw a body punch but Ho avoids it by throwing Naikkorine back against the cage.
A nice right hand lands inside from Ho.
Naikkorine throws a punch but it's blocked by Ho.
Ho stalling in the clinch.
A head punch blocked on the inside by Naikkorine.
The fighters are pressed against the cage, as the pace of the fight slows.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Naikkorine tries to throw a body punch but Ho avoids it by throwing Naikkorine back against the cage.
Ho blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Ho creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Naikkorine's defenses.
Ho tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Naikkorine avoids it.
Nice elbow from Ho.
Ho tries to land a shot to the body but it's blocked.
Ho misses with a short punch on the inside.
Ho lands a nice knee to the body.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
Ho slows down the pace here.
Wooooo! Give it up for these two warriors! They are putting on a show!
Ho gets an overhook and lands an elbow to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Hi Ho showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Finko Naikkorine's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! This is the final round!

Ho lets loose with a powerful body kick. Naikkorine will feel that in the morning.
Hi Ho seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

Ho pushes Naikkorine up against the cage in a clinch.
Ho creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Naikkorine's defenses.
Ho creates a bit of space for himself and sneaks an elbow through Naikkorine's defenses.

Finko Naikkorine's cut is bleeding quite badly. He's got to try and protect it.
Naikkorine letting Ho take a breather here.
A bit of stalling here from Naikkorine.
Ho lands an elbow inside that Naikkorine shrugs off.
Ho tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Naikkorine avoids it.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
The two fighters are working to gain dominance in the clinch.
Ho lands an elbow inside that Naikkorine shrugs off.
Ho blocking some punches.
Naikkorine has a couple of punches blocked by Ho.
Ho tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Ho just leaning against Naikkorine, taking a breather.
The referee is keeping an eye on Ho - much more stalling and he will separate the fighters.
Ho blocks a couple of punches on the inside.
Naikkorine prevents a body shot from Ho.
Naikkorine takes an elbow to the temple.

Jeez, Finko Naikkorine's cut is really nasty now. The referee must be thinking about getting that checked.

The referee calls the doctor in to look at Finko Naikkorine's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:40 of round 3, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Hi Ho!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Samuel Lizard (ranked 4070 p4p, 404 weight class) and Denis Kurlaev (ranked 2689 p4p, 306 weight class). Denis Kurlaev has the better chin. Will he look to stand and bang today?

Lizard
vs
Kurlaev

188 cm
21
210 lbs
8 - 5 - 0

185 cm
20
220 lbs
3 - 5 - 1

BJJ Purple Belt
Excellent MT
Cardio machine

Good wrestler
World class MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 8 - 5 - 0, fighting out of Amsterdam, Samuel Lizard!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 3 - 5 - 1, fighting out of St Petersburg, Denis Kurlaev!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Konstantin Menshow and Aleksandr Martynov.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Lizard misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kurlaev.
Lizard swinging wildly here.
Kurlaev darts in looking for a takedown but Lizard gets double underhooks and turns Kurlaev into the cage.
Kurlaev displays some good footwork, moving neatly out of range as Lizard throws out the jab.
Kurlaev tries to counter with a clinch but Lizard shakes him off and moves away.
Kurlaev shoots in for a takedown but Lizard shows good takedown defense there and keeps this one on the feet.
Lizard scores with a body shot.
Kurlaev ducks under a wild hook from Lizard.
Lizard lands a pitter patter jab to the forehead of his opponent.
Lizard misses with a jab, cross combination.
Kurlaev changes levels for a counter takedown but doesn't follow through with his attempt.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Kurlaev darts in and lands a nice takedown into half guard.
Lizard wants to get back to full guard.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kurlaev stops Lizard from getting back to his feet.
Kurlaev lands strikes from half guard.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lizard is looking to regain full guard. Not this time though.
Lizard is looking to escape.
Kurlaev missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Lizard tries to roll over but Kurlaev keeps him under control.
Lizard is looking to escape.
Lizard avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kurlaev.
Lizard avoiding damage under a succession of punches from Kurlaev.
Lizard pushes Kurlaev off looking to stand but Kurlaev dives back in and keeps control.
Kurlaev throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Lizard keeping his head moving to avoid the ground and pound.
Kurlaev seems to be taking a bit of a break to think of his next move. He lands a short punch in the meantime.
Kurlaev throwing shots but Lizard is blocking nicely.
Kurlaev not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Lizard looks like he's trying to stand up.
Kurlaev missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Lizard looks like he's trying to stand up.
Lizard preventing any damage for now, controlling his opponent's head.
Kurlaev thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Lizard's head.
Kurlaev missing with the ground and pound from half guard.
Lizard on the receiving end of some nice ground and pound.
Lizard moves his hips nicely and gets into full guard.
Lizard looking to hit a scissor sweep but Kurlaev is one step ahead there.
Kurlaev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Lizard works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Lizard wants to get back to his feet but Kurlaev is in a dominant position and won't allow it.
Kurlaev trying to pass the guard but can't manage it just yet.
Lizard trying to control the position here.
Kurlaev throws a big elbow that misses.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kurlaev preventing the sweep.
Lizard wants to stand up but Kurlaev is controlling him.
Lizard wants to control here, rather than go for any submissions from the bottom. At least for now.
We've had a lack of effective grappling in the last minute or so, which could well see a referee standup.
Lizard wants to stand but Kurlaev is controlling the position.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Lizard stuffs the takedown.
Samuel Lizard has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Denis Kurlaev.
Lizard cracks Kurlaev with a good jab.

Kurlaev looking to score a takedown here. Lizard is defending well but Kurlaev drives through and ends up in Lizard's guard.
Kurlaev prevents Lizard from getting back to his feet.
Kurlaev is fighting to break Lizard's control of his arms but Lizard is doing a good job of controlling the position at the moment.
Lizard is trying to stand up but he's not managed so far.
Lizard looking to sweep here. No luck so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kurlaev landing some decent shots from guard.
A real slowdown in the pace of the fight for a moment, as Lizard holds on and takes a little breather.
Kurlaev prevents Lizard from getting back to his feet.
Kurlaev throwing shots from guard but he's hitting more mat than opponent.
Kurlaev postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Lizard trying to keep a closed guard but Kurlaev is proving a slippery customer.
Lizard working the defensive guard well to avoid strikes from Kurlaev.
A big thud reverberates around the arena there as Kurlaev accidentally thumps the mat. Hopefully he's not broken his hand.
Lizard looking for a sweep. Not yet Lizard, not yet.
Kurlaev postures up in Lizard's guard and throws a big left but Lizard blocks it.
Lizard is looking to stand up but Kurlaev isn't so interested in that idea.

The referee has decided to stand the fighters back up, so we'll restart on the feet.
Samuel Lizard is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Lizard throws an overhand right that lands on Kurlaev's shoulder, as Kurlaev tries to avoid the shot.
Kurlaev drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Lizard defends it well.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Lizard waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Kurlaev.
Nice takedown defense from Lizard. No joy for Kurlaev on that attempt.
Lizard jabbing away but nothing is landing.
Kurlaev drops down looking to force a counter takedown but Lizard defends it well.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close round but I would say that Samuel Lizard will probably get the nod.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kurlaev shoots in looking for a takedown but Lizard manages to keep the fight standing, pushing Kurlaev's face into the canvas for good measure before circling away.

Kurlaev looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Lizard is looking to escape.
Kurlaev thumps the canvas. Not on purpose obviously - he just missed Lizard's head.
Lizard is staying active underneath Kurlaev, who seems content to just control the action from this position.
Kurlaev thows a wild elbow that connects with the canvas.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Kurlaev not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Kurlaev missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kurlaev missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kurlaev working over Lizard with some ground and pound. Lizard looks like he wants out of this position, which is understandable.
Lizard is trying to stand.
Kurlaev thows a huge punch but Lizard dodges it nicely.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Lizard is trying to stand back up but Kurlaev is controlling him
Lizard controlling the position well.
Lizard is looking to get back to full guard here but Kurlaev has managed to pass to side control instead.
Lizard is looking to work his way out of this bad position but Kurlaev is controlling him well.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lizard is looking to reverse the position.
Lizard defending against the ground and pound.
Kurlaev throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Lizard is trying to escape and get back to his feet.
Lizard manages to land a sweep and he's now on top! Lovely Jiu Jitsu!

Lizard escapes and gets back to his feet.
Kurlaev uses decent footwork to sidestep a right hand from Lizard.
Lizard works Kurlaev's body with a nice hook.

Kurlaev looking for a takedown here - he's got it.
Kurlaev trying to control the position from guard on top but Lizard is wriggling around, looking for whatever he can.
Kurlaev throwing elbows and punches but not connecting, as Lizard works some decent striking defense from the bottom.
Kurlaev in full guard, throwing the ground and pound. No damage this time.
Kurlaev postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kurlaev postures up to throw the ground and pound strikes but they don't connect.
Lizard is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Kurlaev is controlling him.
Lizard tries to land a sweep but no joy.
Kurlaev prevents Lizard from getting back to his feet.
Lizard avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Lizard is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Kurlaev is controlling him.

The referee has stepped in and called for a break in the action. We'll restart on the feet.

Kurlaev shoots in for a takedown from distance. He catches Lizard napping and manages to drive through into side control!
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Lizard wants to control but Kurlaev postures up.
Kurlaev throws a knee to the body but it doesn't do much damage.
Kurlaev throws a strike aimed at the side of Lizard's head but Lizard avoids it well.
Lizard struggling a bit here.
Lizard is trying to buck Kurlaev off.
Kurlaev looking to punish the body of his opponent here but Lizard is avoiding damage well.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Kurlaev misses with a strike but at least he's keeping busy, looking to cause some damage - that will still help him when it comes to the judges scorecards.
Lizard is putting a lot of effort into getting back to his feet here.
Kurlaev in side control, throwing shots but Lizard defends.
Kurlaev misses with the ground and pound.
Lizard is looking to reverse the position.
Lizard is trying to control Kurlaev's posture but Kurlaev avoids it.
Lizard parries the strikes from Kurlaev easily there. Kurlaev is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Lizard to escape.
Lizard is working hard to escape and get back to his feet. After a battle for position, Kurlaev asserts his dominance and retains side control.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Lizard is trying to get back to half guard.
Sloppy strikes there by Kurlaev.
Kurlaev prevents Lizard from escaping the position.
Kurlaev sitting in side control, looking to soften his opponent up with elbows and hammerfists but Lizard is avoiding damage well and looking to escape the position.
The ground and pound from Kurlaev seems to be hitting the mat more than his opponent.
Denis Kurlaev has got the better of the ground game so far.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kurlaev tries to land with some ground and pound but misses.
Lizard is trying to get back to half guard.
Kurlaev throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Lizard is looking for a sweep.
Lizard struggling a bit here.
Kurlaev throwing shots but missing, from side control.
Kurlaev throwing strikes but missing, from side control.
Kurlaev working the ground and pound from side control.
Lizard wants to get back to his feet but Kurlaev is dominant here and he's now got Lizard's back!
Kurlaev lands with a couple of good shots - one to the side of the head and one questionable shot that could be viewed as to the back of the head but the referee lets it go.
Lizard wants to control his opponent's hands but Kurlaev gets his hands free.
Kurlaev is punishing Lizard with strikes - can he finish him?!
Will Kurlaev go for the finish here or will he try and keep control of the position?
Lizard trying to get back to his feet but Kurlaev is in full control for now.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Denis Kurlaev showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. This is the final round!

Kurlaev shoots in and scores a nice double leg takedown into half guard.
The referee walks around the fighters to get a better view of the action. Kurlaev lands a nice short elbow.
Lizard blocking the ground and pound attempt from Kurlaev.
Kurlaev takes advantage of the dominant position to land a couple of big hammer fists.
Lizard taking some punishment here, with Kurlaev in his half guard.
Kurlaev throwing punches and elbows but they're not doing any damage.
Lizard pushes Kurlaev off looking to stand but Kurlaev dives back in and keeps control.
Kurlaev throwing shots but Lizard is blocking nicely.
Kurlaev working some ground and pound from close in. He's looking to maintain this position and strike for a while by the looks of things... although he'll probably advance to full mount in a minute now I've said that.
Lizard is controlling Kurlaev's position as best he can from this difficult position.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kurlaev sitting in half guard, looking to land shots. Lizard defending well though.
Kurlaev throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Lizard is looking for a sweep. Kurlaev is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Kurlaev missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Lizard has hold of Kurlaev's hands but Kurlaev slips his arm to the side and lands an elbow.
Lizard wants to get back to his feet.
Lizard is trying to escape back to his feet but Kurlaev uses the scramble to pass into side control.
Kurlaev prevents Lizard from escaping the position.
Lizard is looking for a sweep.
Kurlaev throws an elbow but Lizard slips to the side and avoids it well.
Lizard defending against the ground and pound.
Kurlaev has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Lizard is trying to buck Kurlaev off.
Kurlaev throws an elbow but Lizard slips to the side and avoids it well.
Kurlaev fails to land a wild elbow strike.
You can see the frustration on Lizard's face, being in this tough position on the bottom.
Lizard parries the strikes from Kurlaev easily there. Kurlaev is wary of posturing up too much because it might enable Lizard to escape.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kurlaev trying to control the position but Lizard is working away.
Kurlaev working the ground and pound but he's contacting the mat, not the fighter.
Lizard manages to get back to half guard.
Kurlaev thows a huge punch but Lizard dodges it nicely.
Lizard trying to hold on to Kurlaev's head to control him but Kurlaev postures up.
Kurlaev not landing any meaningful shots this time.
Kurlaev missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Lizard is looking to control Kurlaev's leg but it's slowly edging free. Can Lizard avoid being mounted?
Lizard looks like he's trying to stand up.

Lizard kicks off Kurlaev and gets to his feet.
Samuel Lizard seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Kurlaev takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.
Kurlaev uses good footwork to avoid the strikes from Lizard.
Lizard throws a combination but comes up with nothing but fresh air.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Kurlaev.
Lizard misses with a wild body shot.
A big left from Lizard misses.

Kurlaev drops down and drives through with a powerful takedown into guard.
Kurlaev loading up with the ground and pound but he's missing more than he's landing in this flurry.
Lizard has his hands on Kurlaev's head, controlling the position.
Lizard avoiding any damage from the ground and pound.
Kurlaev has the superior BJJ but he's also working some ground strikes into his gameplan.
Lizard looking for a sweep. Not yet Lizard, not yet.
Lizard seems keen to control rather than go for a submission, at least for now.
Lizard looking to control.
Kurlaev stops Lizard from standing up.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

The referee has motioned to the fighters to stand back up. He just wasn't happy with the level of activity.
Lizard throws a lazy uppercut

and Kurlaev counters with a shoot takedown into half guard.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Kurlaev missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Kurlaev prevents Lizard from standing back up.
Kurlaev missing with some ground and pound from the half guard.
Lizard looks like he's trying to stand up.
Kurlaev lands with an elbow from half guard - that looked like it hurt.
Lizard trying to control from the bottom.
Kurlaev not throwing his punches with enough precision this time.
Lizard is trying to stand back up but Kurlaev is controlling him
Kurlaev throwing shots but Lizard is blocking nicely.
This has been an exciting period of action!
Kurlaev throwing shots but they're hitting the canvas more than the man.

And that's the end of the fight!
Denis Kurlaev comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I think Kurlaev has won this one but let's see whether the judges agree with me. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Dmitry Maklakov scores the fight 27:30
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 28:29
Judge Aleksandr Martynov scores the fight 28:29

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Denis Kurlaev!
A relieved looking Denis Kurlaev thanked the fans for their support and gave the usual line about them being amazing. They seemed to believe that he actually meant it.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
40%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a light heavyweight MMA rules bout between Jake Blake (ranked 3420 p4p, 359 weight class) and William Christie (ranked 3191 p4p, 341 weight class). The atmosphere really building for this one as we go over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Blake
vs
Christie

177 cm
25
205 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

188 cm
26
198 lbs
4 - 3 - 0

BJJ White Belt
Excellent boxer
KO power

BJJ Brown Belt
Counter fighter
Heavy handed

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the light heavyweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Jake Blake!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 4 - 3 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, William Christie!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Aleksandr Martynov and Igor Prikhodko.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Christie takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.

It looks like William Christie has been cut.
Blake throws a wild combination but nothing lands.
Christie wants to counter the offense by Blake and move into the clinch position.
Blake misses with a jab, cross combination.
Blake connects with a single shot there.
Blake lands a nice shot that snaps Christie's head back.
Blake misses with a few strikes there.
Christie tries to close the distance and clinch but Blake swats him to one side with an open hand palm strike and circles away.
Blake throws a two punch combo that lands nicely.
Nice defenses there by Blake.
Blake appears to be looking for a counter punch to the body.
Christie walks straight into an uppercut. Luckily it didn't land flush.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Blake lands three nice shots there - that looked like it hurt!

That has opened up William Christie's cut even more.
Christie takes a big uppercut there. He seems a bit wobbly but no, he's OK.

Oooooh!!! Blake has knocked Christie down with a huge combo! Blake steps away and waves a wobbly Christie back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!

Christie is rocked!
Blake could do with losing a few pounds - he looks very soft around the mid section, to put it politely.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Blake works Christie's body with a nice hook.
Christie is still on wobbly legs! Can Blake finish him?
Blake throws a jab when Christie was well out of range.
Christie seems to have recovered his senses.
Blake digs a good hook to Christie's body.
Christie looks winded!
Christie takes a punch right to his stomach. That took the wind out of him momentarily.
Blake comes forward and lands a shot to the body, then darts back out of range.
Blake digs a good body shot into Christie's ribs.
Blake definitely looks more muscular than last time we saw him fight.
Blake scores with a big left there. The judges will like that one.
Christie takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
No joy there for Blake, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Blake punishes Christie's body with a nice straight punch.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Blake bobs and weaves and unloads with a good uppercut.

The cut above William Christie's eye is starting to cause him problems now.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Blake jabs Christie to the body, keeping him at a distance.
Christie wants to clinch up but Blake keeps it at a distance.
Christie is pinned up against the cage taking some big shots here. The referee is looking closely deciding whether he should stop the fight.
Christie takes a body punch but keeps moving.
Christie looks shocked there as he takes a right hand to the temple.
Blake lands the left hand.
Blake thuds a left hand into Christie's body.
Blake lands an overhand right.

William Christie's cut is absolute horrible now. This looks like something out of a horror film with blood covering both fighters.
Blake ducks down and throws a hook to the body.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Blake moves into range and connects with a jab.
Christie doesn't react quick enough there as he takes a shot to the body.
Christie throws a lazy right hand but Blake sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.

Oooooh!!! Blake has knocked Christie down with a huge combo! Blake steps away and waves a wobbly Christie back to his feet! This one might not go much longer!

The referee calls the doctor in to look at William Christie's cut. Oh no, the doctor has called an end to the bout!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3:30 of round 1, we have a winner by way of TKO (Cut). Jake Blake!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
51%

Undercard bout

Coming up we have a middleweight MMA rules bout between Kyrt Laser (ranked 6050 p4p, 464 weight class) and Saul Goodman (ranked 24806 p4p, 508 weight class). Rumors backstage are that the fighters have been paid to keep it standing but we know that would never happen in MMA!

Laser
vs
Goodman

183 cm
24
190 lbs
2 - 0 - 0

184 cm
18
195 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Basic striking
Granite chin

BJJ White Belt
Excellent MT
Granite chin

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the middleweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 2 - 0 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Kyrt Laser!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Helsinki, Saul Goodman!
The judges for this bout are Konstantin Menshow, Ivan Kurochkin and Fedor Mirinova.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Goodman pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Laser avoids a kick to the body.
Laser moves forwards but Goodman connects with a nice, crisp jab.
Laser fails with a rather predictable takedown attempt.
A head kick misses from Goodman.
Laser misses with a double jab.
Goodman looking to land some kicks to the body here.
Laser changes levels looking for a counter takedown but doesn't commit.
Laser takes a hook to the side of the head. I wonder if that's got his ears ringing.
Laser looks for a takedown but Goodman sprawls well.
A head kick misses from Goodman.
Laser is looking to clinch but Goodman is avoiding it.
Goodman is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Laser looks to have improved his striking defense since last time we saw him fight.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Laser is trying hard to land a takedown here. Goodman sprawls well and keeps this one on the feet.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kyrt Laser. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Goodman throws a quick inside leg kick.
Goodman throws a sloppy head kick and Laser moves out of range easily.
Goodman pivots as if he's going to throw a leg kick but stops half way.
Laser avoids the head kick by Goodman.

Laser gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Goodman struggles to land a body shot inside as Laser controls his hands.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goodman swings wildly with an uppercut but Laser uses good head movement to avoid it.
Goodman scores with a nice hook to the head.
Goodman wants to push off and get back to the center of the mat but Laser has him pressed against the cage.
Laser wants to break the clinch but can't.
A short right hand to the side of the head by Goodman.
Goodman has had enough of the clinch but Laser keeps him there for the moment.
Goodman misses with an elbow strike.
Goodman misses with a punch on the inside.
Goodman pushes off and fires off an elbow that misses, before clinching up again, against the cage.
Goodman throws an elbow but it's blocked.
Goodman tries a shoulder strike but it doesn't do any damage.
Goodman tries to work over Laser's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Goodman has had enough of the clinch but Laser keeps him there for the moment.
Laser is trying to pull guard but Goodman turns him against the cage and we stay in the clinch.

Laser has managed to pull guard. Let's see whether he can work an aggressive guard. It will also be interesting to see what tactics Goodman uses from the top position.
Laser is controlling Goodman's posture.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Laser wriggles free and stands up.
Goodman defends well against a solid takedown attempt from Laser.
Goodman throws a big counter head kick but Laser avoids it with no problem.
Laser blocks a head kick by Goodman.
A jab from Goodman finds it's way through Laser's defenses.
This is a great period of action - very entertaining stuff!
Goodman throws a head kick that connects with a bit of head and a bit of hand.

It looks like Kyrt Laser has been cut.
Laser avoids the head kick by Goodman.
Laser is looking to counter the offense by Goodman and move into the clinch.
Goodman throws a quick inside leg kick.
Goodman throws a head kick that misses.
Goodman lands a high kick!
Goodman turns his hip over beautifully as he lands a nice leg kick.
Laser takes a head kick and shrugs it off.

Laser looks for a takedown. He's got it. We're now in half guard.
Laser is breathing heavily.
Goodman is trying to control but can't.
Goodman wants to get back to full guard.
Laser trying to control the pace.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goodman trying to get back to full guard but Laser takes advantage of the position and moves to full mount!
Laser looking to control and managing it successfully.
Goodman is trying desperately to improve position.
Laser scoring with strikes but Goodman is staying in there.
Laser sitting in mount, just looking to control for the moment.
Laser manages to capitalize on a mistake by Goodman to take his back!

Laser is staying calm and holding on to the back position, whilst working on a rear naked choke. Goodman is defending well though. Laser let's go of the attempt for now.
You know, I was talking to some of our celebrities at ringside tonight and they were split right down the middle on who was going to win this fight.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Goodman wants to control his opponent's hands but Laser gets his hands free.
Goodman is being controlled on the ground here - he must escape this position otherwise surely the end is near.
Goodman tries to escape but Laser has the hooks in and won't let him break free.
Laser keeps control of the position easily here as Goodman tries to buck him off.
Goodman is defending well here and trying to improve his position.
What can Goodman do to escape this position? He's going to have to figure it out pretty quick if he wants to stay in the fight!
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Laser seems to have a rather negative gameplan on the ground. He seems keen to just score the takedown and hold down Goodman for as long as he can get away with.
Goodman rolls, trying to escape but Laser keeps control of the position.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Saul Goodman dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kyrt Laser's cut.
That's time! Back to the action!

Goodman throws a head kick but Laser moves out of range.
Goodman scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
A kick lands to the mid section there for Goodman.
A swing and a miss from Goodman.
Goodman misses with a head kick.
Goodman throws a quick inside leg kick.
Goodman throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Laser takes a nasty kick to the mid section... That should keep him thinking. Does he try and block and risk a head kick landing?
Saul Goodman seems to be getting the better of the standup.
Laser avoids the head kick by Goodman.
Laser changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Goodman tries to avoid it but Laser manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Goodman to the ground. Goodman escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Goodman throws a body kick but he wasn't in range.
Laser throws a head kick but Goodman moves out of range.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Goodman lands a head kick. Laser smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Laser will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.
Laser keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.
Both fighters are absolutely exhausted here.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Goodman connects with a slap. Keep your fist closed son.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goodman lands with a slapping head kick.
Goodman connects with a solid leg kick.
Laser sees a low kick coming and goes to check it, but it's actually a body kick and it thuds into his unprotected ribs.
Laser goes for a double leg but Goodman avoids the attempt and the two fighters end up clinched against the cage as Goodman continues to drive forward.
Goodman flicks out a counter leg kick but Laser steps away.
Goodman misses with a head kick.
Goodman blocks a head kick by Laser.
Laser throws a leg kick but Goodman sees it coming and checks it nicely.
Goodman thuds a mid kick into his opponent's body. That will wear on Laser if he has to take too many more of those.
Goodman fakes a jab and then connects with a hook.
A head kick misses from Goodman.
Goodman pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Both fighters circling a little - Goodman finishes the exchange with a kick to the body.
Goodman misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
Laser tries to counter by moving into the clinch but Goodman manages to circle out of the way.
Saul Goodman is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Goodman lands a head kick. Laser smiles back at him and beckons him forward.
Fantastic stuff here - a very entertaining period of action, which has drawn cheers from the crowd.
Laser takes an uppercut right on the button but keeps his composure.
A cross from Goodman lands.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Goodman lands a high kick!
Goodman lands a high kick!
A head kick misses from Goodman.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Goodman, right into the meat.
Goodman misses with a head kick.
Laser moves out of range as Goodman throws a body kick.
Goodman throws a nice head kick!
Goodman tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Goodman has been the more effective fighter overall so far.
Laser takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.
Goodman throws a head kick that misses.
Goodman keeps the fight standing with a nice sprawl.
Goodman is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
That's three failed takedown attempts in the round for Kyrt Laser. That's going to take a lot out of him.
Goodman tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Goodman's jab looks to have found its range, popping Laser under the eye.
Laser throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Goodman scores with a head kick. Laser tried to block it but didn't get his arm up in time.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Goodman pulls out of a head kick attempt.
Laser shakes his hands off, looking to compose himself, but takes a jab to the jaw whilst he does it.
Laser staying out of range there.
Goodman connects with a leg kick. He turned his hip over nicely there.
Laser fails in his attempt to clinch.
A head kick misses from Goodman.
Saul Goodman seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.
Goodman throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Goodman checks the leg kick.
Goodman is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Goodman throws a body kick that sends a sickening thudding noise reverberating around the arena.
Goodman keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Ouch! a nice leg kick from Goodman, right into the meat.
Laser avoids the head kick by Goodman.
Goodman connects with a single shot there.
Laser will be looking to protect his midsection after taking some solid kicks to the body.
Laser avoids the head kick by Goodman.
Goodman buckles his opponent's knee momentarily with a nice leg kick.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Goodman throws a quick head kick that skims the top of Laser's head.
The crowd are loving this. Great action here.
Laser is looking to take this fight into the clinch.
Laser misses with a half-hearted attempt at a head kick.
A nice inside leg kick there by Goodman. That's going to slow Laser down.
A head kick from Goodman lands but Laser takes it in his stride.
Goodman throws a mid kick that lands with a slap.
Kyrt Laser is looking to throw some combinations by the looks of things.

The fight moves into the clinch position.

Goodman pushes off and circles away, back to the middle of the mat.
Laser throws a leg kick but Goodman sees it coming and moves out of range.
Laser steps to his left, right into the path of a big body kick from Goodman. That one must have hurt.
Laser is hobbling a little on that front leg after taking quite a few leg kicks so far in this fight.
The crowd applaud the fighters' efforts here as the round comes to an end.
Goodman throws a sloppy head kick and Laser moves out of range easily.
Laser blocks a head kick by Goodman.
Laser wants to take advantage of his opponent's missed offense by moving into the clinch.
Goodman scores with a kick to the body.
Goodman tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Saul Goodman showed his class in that round. I'd imagine he'll take it on all the scorecards.
The cut man is working on Kyrt Laser's cut.
The corners get their ten second warning. Both fighters stand from their stools and stare eachother down, ready to get back to the action. So, we enter the final round. Let's see if either fighter can bring us a finish, or whether we're going to the judges scorecards.

Goodman scores with a nice body kick.
Goodman tries a switch kick but it misses it's target.
Laser appears to be looking for a counter takedown.
Laser avoids a lazy jab quite easily.

Goodman gets caught on his heels momentarily as he allows Laser to score an easy takedown into full guard.
Goodman is wriggling around but Laser manages to pass to half guard.

Goodman is looking to improve his position.
Goodman wants to control but Laser is keeping busy.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Laser keeping composed on the top, looking to control the action.
Both fighters are breathing heavily.
Goodman is controlling Laser's position as best he can from this difficult position.
Laser controlling the action here.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Goodman tries to kick Laser off but Laser keeps his base steady and stays in half guard.
Goodman is looking for a sweep. Laser is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.

Laser is trying a forearm choke… I don't think that's going to do much at this level of the game.
Goodman is looking to improve his position.
The ref warns both fighters not to hold the cage as they work up against the meshing.
Goodman keeps trying to improve his position.

Laser decides to stand up.

Laser looking to score a takedown here. Goodman is defending well but Laser drives through and ends up in Goodman's guard.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Goodman wants to control but instead he gets his guard passed and Laser is now in half guard.

Goodman is looking to sinch up a guillotine here but Laser pulls his head out easily.
Laser is just sitting in half guard, waiting for something to happen.
Laser is keeping good posture, landing some ground and pound.
Goodman is looking for a sweep. Laser is wise to his cunning plan and keeps the top position.
Laser looks over to his corner - he wants some instructions but his corner are not responding.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Goodman looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Laser works his way into side control.

Laser decides to stand back up. Laser steps back and let's Goodman get back to his feet.
Goodman fakes a couple of low kicks, before throwing one on the third attempt. It connects and Laser has to reset his feet before getting ready to engage.
Goodman lets loose with a powerful body kick. Laser will feel that in the morning.
Laser moves away from the strike by Goodman.
Goodman lands the left hand.
A nice leg kick lands there from Goodman.
Laser takes a kick to the body and keeps moving.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Laser connects with a right hand. Goodman shakes it off.
A big left from Goodman misses.
Goodman throws a head kick that misses and slips in the process. He scrambles back to his feet and the fighters circle.
Horrible takedown attempt by Laser or perhaps it was just good defense by Goodman, which made it look bad.
Goodman is clearly looking to counter with head kicks.
Laser on the receiving end of a decent leg kick there by Goodman. Goodman obviously looking to wear him down.
That kick from Goodman tenderised Laser's leg. Laser is trying to keep his angry face on.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Goodman lands a head kick!
A nice leg kick lands there from Goodman.
Goodman throws a head kick that Laser semi-blocks.
A cross from Goodman lands.
Goodman looking to throw a kick but he's pulled out of it.
Laser wants to clinch.

And that's the end of the fight!
Saul Goodman comfortably won the final round on my scorecard.
I've got Goodman winning every round here. Surely the decision will go his way and he'll pick up a well deserved decision victory. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Konstantin Menshow scores the fight 27:30
Judge Ivan Kurochkin scores the fight 26:30
Judge Fedor Mirinova scores the fight 27:30

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Saul Goodman!
Saul Goodman was full of energy after the big win and talked about how he thinks he can do big things in this sport. The crowd were appreciative of his determination to succeed.

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
63%

Co-main event

Coming up we have a featherweight MMA rules bout between Laurent Gastineau (ranked 5615 p4p, 377 weight class) and Blake Jones (ranked 6164 p4p, 383 weight class). Blake Jones struggled to make weight for this fight. He only made it down to 146.9lbs at the first attempt and had to take the additional two hours to make the official bout weight. Let's see how much it's taken out of him. Over to our ring announcer for the fighter introductions!

Gastineau
vs
Jones

180 cm
18
155 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

177 cm
18
155 lbs
2 - 1 - 0

BJJ Blue Belt
Brawler
Likes comics

BJJ Purple Belt
Counter fighter
Likes musicals

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the featherweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Laurent Gastineau!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 2 - 1 - 0, fighting out of St Petersburg, Blake Jones!
The judges for this bout are Dmitry Maklakov, Viktor Lagutenko and Illya Tyunina.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!

Gastineau takes the fight into the clinch.
Gastineau lands with a short punch from the clinch.

Gastineau manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Gastineau has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Jones can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.
Jones postures up.
Gastineau pulls Jones in close to his closed guard and prevents Jones from doing any damage or advancing position.
Gastineau keeping full guard, as Jones tries to pass.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Jones thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Gastineau throws a couple of weedy looking strikes off his back.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Jones drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Jones jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.
Jones postures up.
Jones preventing the sweep.
Gastineau looking to control the pace of the fight rather than finish it.

Jones drops back for a leg! It's a sloppy attempt though and Jones jumps back into guard quickly, to retain the dominant position.

Jones is trying to work a guillotine from the top, or something like that? Don't know how he thinks he's going to get a finish from there.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Gastineau working from the bottom, still in full guard. He's managed to get a loose triangle. Jones doesn't seem to be doing much to defend here, obviously he feels comfortable in the position. Jones manages to throw the legs off his shoulder and he's back into guard - no problem.

Jones drops back, looking for a kneebar! Gastineau looks panicked! The fighters roll across the mat, one looking to finish, one looking to escape. Gastineau looks to have wriggled free... Yes, he's got his leg free and he's dived into side control! Good work there from Gastineau!

Gastineau throwing strikes but Jones manages to buck up and roll into a nice reversal - now he's on top in side control!

Jones is trying to land an Americana. He has the arm isolated but Gastineau is keeping cool and he's avoided the danger for now.

Jones working hard here to secure a kimura but he's not really in the right position for it.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Jones goes for an armbar! This could be all over! Wait, no, Gastineau rolls with the submission and now he's on top in Jones's guard! Nice work there by Gastineau!
Gastineau knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Jones on the ground.

Jones looks to be working for a triangle here. Oh, it looks like he might have it! Gastineau has picked Jones up and slammed him! Jones can't keep hold of the triangle and Gastineau manages to pass to side control!

Gastineau decides to stand back up.

Gastineau closes the distance and gets a double leg, slamming Jones to the mat! Jones manages to get full guard.
Gastineau slows down the pace of the fight, as he sits in guard.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Gastineau would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.
The crowd thankful this round is nearly over.
Jones keeping moving, preventing Gastineau from controlling successfully.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Laurent Gastineau dominated that round.
That's time! Back to the action!

Gastineau is looking for a takedown here. He's shot in and has managed to get it, finishing up in Jones's half guard.
Gastineau content to sit in half guard and control for a moment.

Jones actively working from the bottom here.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Gastineau is trying to control. Jones wants to improve his position but can't escape this time.

That's one minute gone in the round.

Gastineau is looking for a kimura. It's going to be difficult to finish that from half guard though and Jones defends it well.
Jones works his way to full guard. Good work.
Jones can't do much from the bottom at the moment, as Gastineau controls the pace.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.
Jones looking to sweep here. No luck so far.
Gastineau throws a big elbow that misses.
The referee is asking the fighters to pick up the pace.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
My god... these two guys really need to pick up the pace or everyone will leave to go get a beer.

Jones is looking for a triangle but Gastineau pushes his legs off easily.
Gastineau stands up and looks to throw the legs aside to pass to side control. Jones swivels though and keeps the full guard.

Jones escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Gastineau gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.

Jones looking for submissions from the bottom here. Moving his hips around, possibly looking for an armbar.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Jones can't keep his opponent in guard - Gastineau advances to half guard, no doubt looking to mount.

Jones looking to work for a kimura from the bottom.
Jones is breathing heavily.
Gastineau wants to get back to his feet.
Gastineau is keen to just control but Jones is a slippery customer.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
The crowd are showing their displeasure at the lack of action as loud boos ring out around the arena.

Gastineau stands up out of the half guard.

Gastineau rushes Jones and pushes him back against the cage in a clinch.

Gastineau manages to pull guard. Let's see whether he can land a sub off his back.

Jones thinks about going for a leg but decides against it, in order to maintain the position.
Gastineau is trying to keep Jones in close.
Gastineau is looking to get back to his feet but can't, whilst Jones is controlling him.
Boooooooooooooooooooo!!! God, this has been a terrible round. Come on you two, sort yourselves out!
Gastineau wants to sweep here but Jones controlling him for the moment.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

That was a close second round but I would say that Laurent Gastineau will probably get the nod.
That's the end of the round. The referee orders the cornermen out of the cage so we can get back down to business. This is the final round!

Gastineau throws a sloppy head kick and Jones moves out of range easily.
Jones is loading up here, looking for a big counter of his own.
Gastineau moves in looking to clinch but Jones pushes him off.
Jones is looking for the big counter here.
Gastineau scores to the head and body with a nice combination!
Jones circles away from the clinch attempt
and Jones counters with a one-two to the body.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.

Jones gets caught napping as Gastineau dives in and scores a takedown. Jones manages to retain guard.

Gastineau has a momentary lapse of concentration, allowing Jones to throw up a leg and lock on what appears to be a pretty tight triangle! Gastineau is fighting it off but it's all too little too late - Jones pulls down on the head and he's put Gastineau to sleep! This one is all over!

Ladies and gentlemen, after 1:58 of round 3, we have a winner by way of Submission (Triangle). Blake Jones!

C
A

C
B

energy
A | B

hype
A | B

pop
A | B

mgr
A | B

FIGHT
RATING
35%

Main event

Coming up we have a lightweight MMA rules bout between Peter Zonta (ranked 1509 p4p, 184 weight class) and Kimmo Kehveli (ranked 22162 p4p, 566 weight class). Fingers crossed for an exciting fight - I'm sure both fighters are looking for a nice under the table bonus!

Zonta
vs
Kehveli

175 cm
21
165 lbs
6 - 3 - 0

169 cm
23
159 lbs
0 - 1 - 0

Good wrestling
Solid boxing
Granite chin

Excellent grappler
Decent boxing
Experienced

Ladies and gentlemen. This fight is 3 rounds, in the lightweight division.
Introducing the fighter to my left, fighting out of the red corner.
With a record of 6 - 3 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Peter Zonta!
And introducing the fighter to my right, fighting out of the blue corner.
With a record of 0 - 1 - 0, fighting out of Las Vegas, Kimmo Kehveli!
The judges for this bout are Vladimir Khabensky, Viktor Lagutenko and Aleksei Zolotukhin.

The bell rings for round one and we are underway!
Kehveli tries to land with a swinging hook to the body but Zonta was well out of range. Poor timing from Kehveli.
Kehveli looks more muscular than last time we saw him. He must have been on the weights.
Kehveli waving his hands out in front of him, looking to distract Zonta.
Zonta moves out of range as Kehveli strikes.
Zonta moves out of range of the strikes.
Zonta misses with a right hand
and Kehveli counters with a shot to the ribs. That looked like it hurt.
Zonta throws a lazy right hand but Kehveli sees it coming a mile off and sidesteps it easily.
Kehveli fakes high and swings low for a body shot but Zonta manages to avoid it.
Kehveli swings and misses with a shot to the body
and Zonta cracks him with a counter punch right on the button.
Kehveli takes a solid shot to the body. That one hurt him but he's trying not to show it.
Kehveli misses with a takedown attempt. He shot from a bit too far out.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Kehveli cracks Zonta with a good jab.
Zonta connects with a lovely jab that went straight through the gap between Kehveli's hands.
Kehveli closes the distance and clinches up with Zonta, looking for a takedown. Kehveli pushes Zonta against the cage but Zonta circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Peter Zonta seems to be the more aggressive standup fighter in this bout.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Nice defenses there by Zonta.
Zonta uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Kehveli.
Zonta's corner calls for a 1, 2 combination and Zonta duly obliges.

It looks like Kimmo Kehveli has been cut.
Zonta lands a right hook to the body.
Zonta lands with a nice body punch.
Zonta scores with a reasonable looking shot to the body. Kehveli doesn't seem bothered though.

Zonta takes the fight into the clinch.
Zonta throws an elbow but it misses.
A right handed body shot lands from Zonta.
Kehveli blocks an elbow strike.

Kehveli manages to pull guard.
Zonta has to be careful here, sitting in the guard of a superior BJJ player.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kehveli has a closed guard, preventing Zonta from standing up.
The fighters are pressed up against the cage, both looking to find a bit of space to work.

That's two minutes gone in the round.

Kehveli looking for a guillotine here but Zonta defends easily.
Zonta's corner is telling him to maintain position.
Zonta would like to get this fight back to the feet but can't get free from the closed guard.

Zonta avoids a guillotine attempt easily.

Kehveli throwing his legs up looking for a triangle.

Zonta stands up from guard. Let's bang!
Kehveli ducks under an overhand right and circles away with a smile on his face.
Zonta scores with a shot to the body.
Kehveli changes levels and looks for a double leg takedown. Zonta tries to avoid it but Kehveli manages to keep hold of a leg and drag Zonta to the ground. Zonta escapes though and pops straight back up to his feet.
Peter Zonta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kimmo Kehveli.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zonta throws a looping overhand right but Kehveli ducks down to avoid it.
Zonta ducks low and lands a nice hook to the body of his opponent.
Jab, cross, leg kick. Nice combination by Zonta!

Zonta clinches up against the cage.
Zonta scores with a hook to the body.
Zonta lands a nice uppercut.
A short body shot lands from Zonta as the two fighters clinch.
Zonta trying to land knees to the body.
Zonta tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kehveli's elbow.
Zonta trying to land knees to the body.
A right hook to the body lands for Zonta.

Zonta breaks the clinch and we're back to striking at distance.
Kehveli swings and misses with a hook to the body.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kehveli just misses with a punch to the body.

Zonta gets to the clinch - let's see what his plan is here.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kehveli jumps guard but Zonta turns him against the cage and keeps the fight standing.
Kehveli fails to pull guard.
Zonta is leaning against Kehveli and scores with a nice uppercut to the body.
Zonta lands with a quick shot inside that doesn't really do much damage.
Zonta works on Kehveli's body with a couple of short punches.
Zonta lands a shoulder strike.
A quick uppercut on the inside from Zonta.
Zonta tries to throw a body punch but Kehveli avoids it by throwing Zonta back against the cage.
Zonta tries to land a knee to the body but he is off balance and Kehveli avoids it.
Zonta pushes Kehveli back against the cage and lands a hook to the side of the head.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Peter Zonta dominated that round.
The cut man is working on Kimmo Kehveli's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action!

Kehveli avoids the body shot from Zonta.
Kehveli blocks a jab.
Zonta drops his hands and takes a jab to the jaw for his troubles.
Zonta lands a nice shot that snaps Kehveli's head back.
Zonta is really dominating this fight. Is there anything that Kehveli can do to turn this around?
Zonta misses with a body shot. Nice footwork from Kehveli.
Kehveli swings and misses with a hook to the body.
Kehveli looks to score with a jab to the body but Zonta is just out of range.
Zonta throws a right hand that Kehveli ducks under and follows up with a left that Kehveli also avoids with ease.
Kehveli missing with a left hand there. Zonta was out of range so wasted energy throwing that one.
Kehveli uses good head movement to avoid the hook from Zonta.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zonta with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kehveli misses with a body shot.
Kehveli uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Zonta.
Zonta lands a nice hook to Kehveli's body. Kehveli takes it in his stride and looks to land his own strikes.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zonta misses with a double jab.
Peter Zonta is looking to keep the fight on the feet at all costs.
Kehveli uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Zonta.
Zonta misses with a wild combination.
The fighters are starting to perspire pretty heavily.
Kehveli misses with a hook to the body
and Zonta counters with a lovely shot to the body.
Kehveli with a body punch. A glancing blow.
Kehveli just misses with a punch to the body.
Kehveli uses some good footwork to avoid the body shot by Zonta.
Zonta takes a swing at Kehveli's ribcage but misses.
Kehveli now looks to counter with a shot at the body.
Kehveli takes a shot right to the liver - Bas would have been proud of that punch.
Kehveli connects with a body shot.
Peter Zonta is winning the standup battle so far.
Kehveli misses with a telegraphed body shot

and Zonta moves into the clinch.
Kehveli tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Zonta smiles and moves away.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Kehveli connects with a single shot there.
Kehveli lands a jab to Zonta's midsection.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kehveli just misses with a punch to the body.
Kehveli closes the distance and clinches up with Zonta, looking for a takedown. Kehveli pushes Zonta against the cage but Zonta circles to the side and manages to break the clinch.
Zonta is looking to clinch.
Zonta is looking to wear down Kehveli with body shots, infact he's throwing more body shots than head shots at the moment.
Kehveli swings widly with a right hand
and Zonta makes him pay by landing a nice hook to the body before moving out of range.
Zonta takes a swing at Kehveli's ribcage but misses.

Zonta instigates a clinch.
Zonta tries to work over Kehveli's body with a swooping hook but it only glances the target.
Zonta misses the knee to the body. Nice hip positioning from Kehveli.
Zonta gets through Kehveli's defenses to land a nice punch to the side of the head.

That's three minutes gone in the round.

Kehveli manages to pull guard.
Zonta trying to stand up but can't free himself from Kehveli's guard.
Zonta knows he needs to get back to his feet asap. He's simply no match for Kehveli on the ground.
Kehveli is trying to control the position but Zonta postures up.

Kehveli has a loose triangle. He'll be looking to tighten that up but Zonta can see exactly what he's planning and manages to posture up and free himself.

Kehveli escapes his hips to the side and looks to be working for an armbar. Zonta gives him a little smile and shakes his head. No chance.
Kehveli is breathing heavily.

Zonta gets to his feet - Kehveli follows without any prompting.
Zonta uses good footwork to get in and out and land a nice right hand before Kehveli has time to react.
Zonta lands a powerful looking uppercut that connected with his opponent's jaw.
Zonta misses with a wild body shot.
Zonta keeps his opponent at a distance with a nice jab.

That's four minutes gone in the round.

Zonta closes the distance and clinches.
A nice right hand lands inside from Zonta.
Kehveli blocks an elbow strike from Zonta.
Zonta misses with a hook to the ribs.
Kehveli jumps guard but Zonta stands there with Kehveli around his waist. Kehveli gives up and drops back to his feet. We remain in the clinch.
Peter Zonta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kimmo Kehveli.
Kehveli is trying to pull guard but Zonta has him pressed against the cage.
Kehveli tries to pull guard but Zonta forces him back to his feet, against the cage.
Zonta lands with a light punch inside.
Peter Zonta has scored more points in the clinch so far.
The fans in attendance giving it up for the two fighters, who have really let it all hang out in the last minute or so!
Kehveli dodges an elbow strike from Zonta.
Kehveli prevents a body shot from Zonta.
Zonta misses with a punch to the body.
Zonta can't find room to land a body shot as Kehveli controls the action.
And that’s the end of the round – the fighters go back to their corners.

Peter Zonta dominated that second round.
The cut man is working on Kimmo Kehveli's cut.
The fighters' corners scream their final instructions, as the referee calls time. Here we go, back to the action! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the final round!

Zonta lands a body shot.
Zonta lands a nice shot to the body.
Kehveli ducks down and throws a hook to the body but Zonta moves away.
Zonta misses with a wild body shot.
Kehveli takes a shot right to the bread basket.
Kehveli throws out a token jab with nothing on it.
Zonta feints a straight left to the body, then turns around with a flashy move and hits Kehvelis jaw with a dramatic spinning back fist!

Kehveli tries to keep at a distance but Zonta has taken the fight into the clinch.
Zonta lands an uppercut.
We've had a slow start to the round here - hopefully the action picks up.
Zonta works for underhooks and lands a body shot in the process.
Zonta doesn't land with the attempted body shot.
Zonta lands a body shot.
Kehveli takes a big intake of breath there - he's definitely tired.

That's one minute gone in the round.
Zonta lands a nice shot to the body.
Nice body punch from Zonta - that landed with a thud.
A short uppercut from Zonta.
Zonta lands a body shot.
A nice left hand lands by Zonta.
Zonta manages to get underhooks and slows down the pace for a moment.
Kehveli tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Zonta smiles and moves away.
Zonta fakes a head punch and goes low to the body. Nicely done.
Zonta throws a body punch but Kehveli moves out of range.

That's two minutes gone in the round.
Zonta lands a nice looking body shot.
Zonta digs a good body shot into Kehveli's ribs.
Good shot there by Zonta.
Kehveli just misses with a punch to the body.

Zonta moves into the clinch.
We've seen a great period of action over the last minute or so - credit to both fighters for going all out!
Nice body punch from Zonta.
Kehveli fails to pull guard.
Zonta lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.
Zonta lands a hook to the side of the head.
Zonta lands a left hand that snaps the head of Kehveli backwards.
Zonta lands on the inside with an uppercut.
A right hook to the body lands for Zonta.

That's three minutes gone in the round.
Zonta tried to land a shot to the body but connects with Kehveli's elbow.
Kehveli being controlled against the cage.
Zonta lands a body punch - he's looking to wear down Kehveli.
Zonta missing with knees to the body.
Kehveli on the defensive, avoiding the knees to the body.
Zonta struggles to land a body shot inside as Kehveli controls his hands.
Zonta can't find room to land a body shot as Kehveli controls the action.
Zonta can't find room to land a body shot as Kehveli controls the action.
Zonta lands with a good tight uppercut to the head.
Zonta lands a nice looking hook to the body, against the cage.

That's four minutes gone in the round.
Kehveli tries to jump guard but he falls flat on his backside. Zonta smiles and moves away.
Peter Zonta has stuffed three takedown attempts in the round now. That's going to take a lot out of Kimmo Kehveli.
A big left from Kehveli misses.
Kehveli misses the body punch
letting Zonta counter with a right hand.
Zonta fakes a head shot and lands one to the body.
Zonta swings away but doesn't land with a series of punches.
No joy there for Zonta, who threw a few shots but didn't land.
Peter Zonta is fighting for a decision here - he's started to take the cautious approach.
Kehveli keeping a good distance there, avoiding the body shot.
Zonta scores with a straight right hand, right through his opponent's guard.
Kehveli digs a good hook to Zonta's body.
The crowd cheering loudly, showing their appreciation for the quality fight we're seeing here.
Kehveli takes a shot to the body in his stride.
Zonta lands an overhand right.
Zonta will need to tighten up his combinations if he doesn't want to gas himself out, swinging at thin air.

And that's the end of the fight!
Peter Zonta showed his dominance in that final round.
Well I reckon that's a shut out for Zonta, winning every round. Will the judges agree? They are the ones who matter, even if they are often depressingly incompetent. Over to the ring announcer for the scorecards.

Ladies and gentlemen, after 3 rounds of action, we go to the scorecards for a decision.
Judge Vladimir Khabensky scores the fight 30:26
Judge Viktor Lagutenko scores the fight 30:26
Judge Aleksei Zolotukhin scores the fight 30:26

In favor of your winner, by unanimous decision... Peter Zonta!
A very excited looking Peter Zonta made sure he remembered to thank all the fans both in the arena and on the internet. He said all the coolest people spend all day on MMA websites, which got a big reaction.